History During the 2000s

  • 2000 Spokane County's Interstate Fair (September 8 - 17)


    Theme - "The Mooollennium Fair" featuring a cow named "Moodonna". Attendance 239,198. The Ambassador program saw a change to include two young women and two young men. Ambassadors were Eddie Coller, Stephanie Tucker, Korina VanTassle, and Clay Wilken. A new covered show area was constructed. The horse barn with stalls was opened for usage in May with the ability to house 99 horses. The Fair hosted the grand opening of the new camping area, complete with 43 sites. The clerical staff moved to a triple-wide modular office structure in April. Three quarters of the Ag Complex were insulated and heated. The winner of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were the Beef / Dairy Barn, superintendents Dick Blakley and Tracy Knutson and the Spokane Ag Bureau display in the Ag Building under the direction of Dennis Fiess. The winners of the Fair's five coveted "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were the All Alaskan Racing Pigs, Eastern Washington University, Inland Empire Beekeepers, Spokane Humane Society, and Sturm Heating. The Fair Ambassadors began a program this year in which they would select something (or someone) to receive their special ribbon. This year, the Ambassadors Award went to the Spokane County Animal Control staff. The P.R.C.A. Rodeo went from 4 performances to 3. This year's big name entertainment included Toby Keith and a Classic Show featuring Merilee Rush, the Kingsmen, and Sonny Geraci. On opening day, the full facility lost power for approximately an hour...that had to have been a first.

  • 2001 Spokane County's Interstate Fair (September 7 - 16)


    Theme - "Ride the Interstate" featuring a rabbit named "Hareley Rabbitson", a mule named "Mulecedes Ben", and a goat named "P.T. Goatster". Attendance 231,152. Ambassadors were Michael Diep, Kristina Larson, Melody Tolliver, and Ben Wick. The winner of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were the Rabbit Department, superintendent Val Uptagrafft, and the Agricultural Building under the direction of Bonnie Sewell and Myrna O'Leary. The winners of the Fair's five "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Air National Guard (Bay 1), Inland NW Health Services (Auxiliary Building), Yosemite Signs (Outside), Moonshriners (Permanent Food Structure), and Pizza Rita (Portable Food Structure). The Fair began to award a special award to the Food and Commercial Booth tying most closely to the Fair's theme. The winners were Spokane Humane Society (Commercial) and Larchwood Farms (Food). The Ambassadors Award went to the Inland Empire Steam and Gas Buffs. Flat Track Racing was added this year in connection with the Demolition Derby. This year's big name entertainment included Mark Wills and Gary Puckett. Mr. Puckett had to perform without his band as all flights were grounded the day of his concert due to the terrorist acts upon the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. no one will probably ever forget where they were the morning of September 11...we were at the Fair mourning the tremendous loss of life our nation suffered that day.

  • 2002 Spokane County's Interstate Fair (September 6 - 15)


    Theme - "Wooly Wooly Good Times" featuring a llama named "Wooly Nelson" and an alpaca named "Britney Shears" with a patriotic stars and stripes background. Attendance 229,378. Ambassadors were Amber Burgerson, Linnea Nelson, Dana Roberts, and Tim Wilken. The winner of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were the Camelid Barn under the direction of Clyde Baker and Anne Foss and the Inland Empire Steam and Gas Buffs under the direction of Joe Young and Roger Rosin. The winners of the Fair's five "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Home and Garden Parties (Bay 1), Spokane County Public Works (Auxiliary Building), Will Rogers Saddlery (Outside), Cotton Candy (Permanent Food Structure), and Spokandy (Portable Food Structure). The Food and Commercial Booths tying most closely to the Fair's theme this year were Avon and the Bavarian Restaurant. The Ambassadors Award went to Public Relations Superintendent Joe Polello. This year's big name entertainment included America and Trick Pony. In a special 9/11 celebration entitled "Tribute to America", honor was paid to those that lost their lives last year as well as those that serve today protecting the American citizens in their pursuit of happiness. Interim use continues to rise with public attendance estimated throughout the year at 566,000.

  • 2003 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 5 - 14)


    Theme - "More Than Just a Dog and Pony Show" featuring a dog named "Tommie Lee Bones" and a horse named "Hoof Daddy". Attendance 211,436. Ambassadors were Sean Gilleran, Danielle Makar, Celeste Wagner, and Justin Wagner - the Fair's first brother and sister to serve together. The winner of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were the Camelid Barn under the direction of Clyde and Janice Baker, the 4-H Still Exhibits Department under the direction of Linda Costich and Anita Raddatz, and an individual award to Fair Coordinator, Jessica McLaughlin. The winners of the Fair's five "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Home and Garden Party (Bay 1), I.E. Beekeepers Assn. (Auxiliary Building), Dale's Wood Specialties (Outside), Spokane Valley Kiwanis (Permanent Food Structure), and Berry Ka-Bob (Portable Food Structure). The Food and Commercial Booths tying most closely to the Fair's theme this year were USBORNE Books and the Bavarian Restaurant. The Ambassadors Award went to Food Vendor - French Crepes. This year's big name entertainment in the facility's new $6.5+ million grandstand arena included Rascal Flatts, Phil Vassar (rain cancellation), and Starship. Due to the concert rainout on 09/08, the Fair saw an early closing at 7:30 p.m.

  • 2004 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 10 - 19)


    Theme - "Flock to the Fair; We'll See Ewe There" featuring a sheep named "Dodger". Attendance 189,066. Ambassadors were Sarah Ellison, Michelle Gorka, and Kaja Opsal. The winner of the WSFA's "Black and White Award" was the Crops and Forage Display in the Ag. Building under the care of Dick Ott and Gina Scott. The winners of the Fair's five "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were U.S. Border Patrol (Bay 1), Department of Transportation (Auxiliary Building), Atlantis Aquatics (Outside), A and W Rootbeer (Permanent Food Structure), and A and K Enterprises dba Hawaiian Teriyaki (Portable Food Structure). The Food or Commercial Booth tying most closely to the Fair's theme this year was Creative Memories (Commercial). The Ambassadors Award went to Commercial Vendor - Mini Mountain. This year's big name entertainment included Night Ranger and Gary Allan. A new marketing firm joined the Fair this year - Genesis Marketing. Four new food buildings were constructed, servicing eight of the vendors in the old food row building that was removed. Bay 1 received a new HVAC system. The Fair saw 8 days of rain.

  • 2005 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 9 - 18)


    Theme - "Find the Sun at the Fair" featuring sunflowers. Attendance 193,301. Ambassadors were Jordan Clark, Ginger Gomez, Jillian Sherrodd, and Lauren Stromberger. The winners of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were Bay 4' s Displays under the care of Delma Oliver, Tami Applebee, and Ann Fackenthall and the 4-H Horse Department (Barb Ferguson Superintendent). The winners of the Fair's five "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Army National Guard (Outside), Candle Hut (Bay 1), Heartworks (Auxiliary Building), Leonardo' s Bistro (Portable Food Structure), and VFW Post 51 (Permanent Food Structure). The Food or Commercial Booth tying most closely to the Fair's theme this year was Home Boys (Commercial). The Ambassadors Award went to Alan Bruess and the Sunflower Saddle Ranch - a completely interactive area for children to rope, ride, and pedal their way into the hearts of the crowd. This year' s Fair saw the removal of the Floral Palace (6,800 square feet) and a new exhibit building (Bay 4) constructed (15,000 square feet) to house both the Floral and Fine Arts Departments. The plaza was ready for use prior to the Fair as well and featured many of the Fair' s sponsors including Dishman Dodge and Spokane Chrysler. The Plaza is also home to a new concessions area called the Plaza Grill, complete with seating. Entertainment in 2005 included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Dierks Bentley, and the Demolition Derby.

  • 2006 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 8-17)


    Theme - "Bushels of Fun for Everyone" featuring wheat and apples. Attendance 218,789. Ambassadors were Heather Arts, Anna Daines, Chelsie Hardwick, and Jordan Roskelley. The winners of the WSFA "Black and White Awards" were Director Dolly Hughes and Bay 3 Superintendents (Linda Costich, Leroy and Vicki Nielsen, Anita Raddatz, and Louise Wells). Best Incorporation of Fair Theme was awarded to Bartlett's Bakers Dozen (Food). The "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were presented to Home Boys (Outside), Inland Northwest Wildlife Council (Auxiliary Building), K Diamond K Guest Ranch (Bay 1), Shepard's Ice Cream Shoppe (Portable Food Booth), and Spokane Valley Kiwanis (Permanent Facility Food Booth). The Ambassador's Award went to Quichua Mashis (South Andes Musicians). Entertainment included P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Lee Greenwood, Oak Ridge Boys, Bomshel, 10,000 Maniacs, and two Demolition Derbies. Facility Improvements - The western portion of Bay 1 was renovated to include meeting rooms and show offices and would be known as the Conference Center. A Junior Advisory Board was established allowing for one representative from each High School.

  • 2007 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 7-16)


    Theme - "Un-BEE-lievably Fun for Everyone" featuring bees and honey. Attendance 235,010. Ambassadors were Ceitleen Albertson, Riley Myklebust, Maria Naccarato, and Kahla Noel. The winners of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were the Swine Barn (Superintendents Karen Wilson and Blaine Brown) and Bay 3 (Superintendents Louise Wells, Linda Costich, and the Nielsens). The winners of the Fair's five "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Espirit Tech / Alpine College (Auxiliary Building), Mary Lou's Ice Cream (Permanent Food Structure), North County Critters (Bay 1), Savannah Sweets (Portable Food Structure), and U.S.P.S. (Outside). The booth tying most closely to the Fair's theme this year was Spokane Humane Society (Commercial). The Ambassadors Award went to Tommy G's Mutton Busting Show. Additional emphasis was placed on the Grandstand Arena Entertainment this year and included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Village People, Ronnie Milsap, Kellie Pickler / Chris Young, Weird Al Yankovic, 4 x 4 Truck Pulls, and two Demolition Derbies. Director Dolly Hughes retired on July 31 and Rich Hartzell was named as the new Director.

  • 2008 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 5-14)


    Theme - "We've Got a Good Thing Growing" featuring a fun-loving pig and other agricultural pieces. Attendance 242,159. Ambassadors were Madolyn Bayle, Jeannette Thompson, Angela Wolfe, and Emma Wolfe. The winners of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were the Grange Department (Superintendents Tom and Bonnie Reed) and the Inland Empire Beekeepers Association. The winners of the Fair's five "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Advanced Window Fashions (Best Auxiliary Building Commercial), Country Homes Power Equipment (Outdoor Commercial), Eastern Washington University (Best Bay 1 Commercial), Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cakes (Best Portable Food Booth), and Spokane Valley Kiwanis (Best Permanent Food Booth). Best Incorporation of Fair Theme - Alpine College. Ambassador's Award - El Katif Shrine Food Booth. Grandstand Entertainment included P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Joe Nichols, Raven Symone, Bowling for Soup, Phil Vassar, and two Demolition Derbies. Michelle Hunter became the first Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo.

  • 2009 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 11-20)


    Theme - "We've Got Something to Crow About" featuring a confident rooster and a bushel of apples. Attendance 227,075. Ambassadors were Candice Boyd, Madelin Copus, Anna Nelson, and Emily Snow. The winners of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were the Rabbit Department (Superintendent Taya Halverson) and the Egg Department (Orville Clouse). The winners of the Fair's five "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Golf Markers (Best Bay 1 Commercial), Prokera / Derma Systems (Best Auxiliary Bldg Commercial), Second Round Balls (Best Outdoor Commercial), Shepard's Ice Cream Shoppe (Best Portable Food Booth), and Spokane Valley Kiwanis (Best Permanent Booth Food). Best Incorporation of Fair Theme - Alpine College. Ambassador's Award - Inland Empire Steam and Gas Buffs. Grandstand Entertainment included P.R.C.A. Rodeo (3 performances), Rodney Adkins, Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys, Josh Gracin, motor sports event, and two Demolition Derbies. Jessica Davisson served as 2009 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo.

  • 2010 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 10-19)


    Theme - "It's an AG-Venture" featuring a dairy cow driven combine. Attendance 195,255. Ambassadors were Bethany Bothwell, Jessica Levy, Ashley Smith-Fenton, and Sondra Willmann. The winners of the WSFA's "Black and White Awards" were the Goat Department (Superintendent Barb Kunze) and the Ag Department (Superintendent Bonnie Sewell). The winners of the Fair's three "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Baja Grille (Best Food Booth), Chase Honey Farm (Best Outdoor Commercial Booth), and Papa Ray's Market (Best Indoor Commercial Booth). Best Incorporation of Fair Theme - Creative Memories. Ambassador's Award - Georgia Oberg. Grandstand Entertainment - P.R.C.A. Rodeo (2 performances), Compact Car Demo Derby, Clint Black, Bobby Vee, ABBA The Music, Collective Soul, Hinder, Monster Truck Shows, Traditional Demolition Derby. TicketsWest was selected as the admissions company. Emily Houger served as 2010 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo.

  • 2011 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 9-18)


    Theme - "Carats of Fun" featuring a carrot-eating rabbit in front of a large diamond as the Interstate Fair celebrated its 60th Anniversary at its current location of Broadway and Havana. Attendance 189,900. Ambassadors were Brianna Broadwater, Chelsea Ellis, Alicia Knecht, and Alysa Norton. The winners of the Fair's three "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Chase Honey Farm (Outdoor Commercial), E and D Enterprises (Indoor Commercial), Shepard's Ice Cream Shoppe (Food Booth). Argonne Chiropractic received "Best Incorporation of Fair Theme". Pizza Rita received the Ambassador's Award. Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, two Demolition Derbies, two Monster Truck Shows, Neal McCoy, The Osmond Brothers, Weird Al Yankovic, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Switchfoot. The attendance was affected by 90+ degree weather the first four days of the Fair. Pepsi was selected as the official non-alcoholic beverage provider. Jamie Cutshall served as 2011 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo. The Fair held a special "Best of the Fair Food" Contest with judges from the SCC Culinary Department. Winners included Azar's (Breakfast Item), Lylo's Teriyaki (Signature Dish), Mary Lou's Ice Cream (Dessert), and Oklahoma Funnel Cake (Deep Fried Item).

  • 2012 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 7-16)


    Theme - "Experience the Ride" featuring artwork designed by artist Lisa Rasmussen. Attendance 207,550. Ambassadors were Bethany Hand, Brianna Sillivan, Julia Viherlahti, and Asa Wolfe. "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were Display House (Outdoor Commercial), Spokane Valley Kiwanis (Food Booth), and Stone Crazy (Indoor Commercial). The 4-H Life Department under the direction of Superintendent Sue McCoury won the Ambassador's Award. Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Wylie and the Wild West Show, Jake Owen, Huey Lewis and the News, Styx, Blues Traveler, Monster Truck Shows, and a Double Header Demolition Derby. Jessica Tennant was crowned the 2012 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo and later crowned 2013 Miss Rodeo Washington . "Best of the Fair Food" contest winners included Azar's (Deep Fried Item), Baja Bowl (Signature Dish), Lasagnas On Ya (Dessert), and SandwicHaven (Most Creative).

  • 2013 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 6-15)


    Theme - "Ridin', Rockin', and Livestockin'". Attendance was 188,070. Ambassadors were Julia Jean "JJ" Brown, Connlee Gray, Tyler Ribail, and Kathleen Sessions. Macy LaValley held the title of 2013 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo and was later crowned the 2016 Miss Rodeo Washington. "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were given to 3 Barrels Up (Indoor Commercial), Chase Honey Farm (Outdoor Commercial), and Izzy's BBQ (Food Booth). Garlic Gourmay won the Ambassador's Award. The Beef/Dairy Barn under the direction of Superintendents Wayne Brokaw and Heather Netz won the Department of Ag Black and White Award. The Exotic Animal Display under the direction of Blaine Brown won the Director's Award. Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Carnival of Madness Tour, MercyMe, and two nights of Demolition Derby. "Best of the Fair Food" contest winners included Glazed and Confused (Deep Fried Item), Huckleberry Thicket (Dessert), Island Noodles (Most Creative), and SandwicHaven (Signature Dish). The Fair ended with an incredible windstorm that blew through just after closing causing some tent damage for the vendors.

  • 2014 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 5-14)


    Theme - "There's no Place Like the Fair". Attendance was 189,450. Ambassadors were Briar Bertoch, Kaitlyn Domitrovich, Amber Gimlen, and Bailey Nachtigal. Katherine Merck held the title of 2014 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo and was later crowned the 2015 Miss Rodeo Washington and then 2015 Miss Rodeo America. "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were given to Boyd Walker Sewing Machines (Indoor Commercial), Endurable Energy (Outdoor Commercial), and Longhorn Barbecue (Food Booth). Watkins received the award for Best Incorporation of Fair Theme. Sleep Country won the Ambassador's Award. The Rabbit Barn under the direction of Taya Hardenbrook won the Director's Award. Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Doo Wah Riders, Big and Rich with special guests Cowboy Troy and Old Dominion, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Jars of Clay and Kutless, REO Speedwagon, Seether, and two nights of Demolition Derby. "Best of the Fair Food" contest winners included SandwicHaven (Deep Fried Item), Charlie's Cheesecakes (Dessert), Joe Rock Donut Hamburgers (Most Creative), and Azar's (Signature Dish).

  • 2015 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 11-20)


    Theme - "Duck Into the Fair". Attendance was 194,424. Ambassadors were Brianna Fields, Kyra Fromm, Caleb MacLean, and Madyson Seward. Courtney Montgomery held the title of 2015 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo. "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were given to Anderson's Glass (Indoor Commercial), Raindrop Rain Gutters (Outdoor Commercial), and Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cakes (Food Booth). Watkins received the award for Best Incorporation of Fair Theme. The VFW won the Ambassador's Award. The Grange Booth Displays under the direction of Carol Evans won the Director's Award. Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Cast Member from Duck Dynasty, Air Supply, Craig Morgan with Dan + Shay, The Guess Who with Orleans, Cheap Trick, Pacific Pro Pulling Series Truck and Tractor Pulls, and two nights of Demolition Derby. "Best of the Fair Food" contest winners included SandwicHaven (Deep Fried Item), Big Bear Chocolates (Dessert), Aebleskivers / Philly Express (Most Creative), and Azar's (Signature Dish).

  • 2016 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 9-18)


    Theme - "Jaw-Dropping".  Attendance was 196,492.  Ambassadors were Mollee Gray, Mariah Huey, Taylor Ruggles, and Yelizaveta Skoromnaya.  Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo - Madi Casto.  "Red, White, and Blue Award" recipients were 509 Fabrications (Outdoor Commercial), Papa Ray's (Indoor Commercial), and Philly Express (Food Booth).  Escape Entertainment was selected for Best Incorporation of Fair Theme.  Mary Lou's Ice Cream's Outdoor Booth received the Ambassador's Award.  Dennis Anderson (Commercial Vendor Superintendent) received the Director's Award.  Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Randy Houser, Kenny Loggins, Lee Brice, Pacific Pro Truck and Tractor Pulling Series, and two nights of Demo Derby.  Grounds Act - Shark Encounter.  "Best of the Fair Food" contest winners included Glazed and Confused (Most Creative and Deep Fried), Island Noodles (Signature Dish), and Mary Lou's Ice Cream on Food Row (Dessert).        

  • 2017 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 8-17)


    Theme - "Get Your Kicks; It's Year 66".  Attendance was 178,270.  Ambassadors were Lexus Jordan, Emily Lunsford, Claire Morrison, and Emma Torres.  Ashley Lentz served as 2017 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo.  "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were given to Big Bear Chocolates (Food Booth), Jamberry (Outdoor Commercial), and Me Designz (Indoor Commercial).  Escape Entertainment received the award for Best Incorporation of Fair Theme.  Superintendent Myron Fuller (Antique Machinery) won the Ambassador's Award.  General Livestock Superintendent, Dennis Kroll, received the Director's Award.  Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Gary Allan, Fifth Harmony, Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, Pacific Pro Truck and Tractor Pulling Series, and two nights of Demo Derby.  Grounds act - Sea Lions Show.  "Best of the Fair Food" contest winners included Azar's Donut Hamburgers (Most Creative), Leonardo's Bistro (Deep Fried), Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cakes (Dessert), and Sub-Division (Signature Dish).            

  • 2018 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 7-16)


    Theme - "Lettuce Turnip the Jam".  Attendance was 205,997.  Ambassadors were Maggie Bailey, Maddie Gendreau, Taylor Jackson, and Annika Redell.  Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo - Mary Jane Lowry.   "Red, White, and Blue Awards" were given to Hope Outfitters (Indoor Commercial), Michael Closson (Outdoor Commercial), and Moonshriners (Food Booth).  Scentsy received the Best Incorporation of Fair Theme Award.  The Inland Empire Steam and Gas Buffs Club won the Ambassador's Award and the Spokesman Review was the recipient of the Director's Award.  Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Old Dominion, Josh Turner, Jeff Foxworthy, Nixon Rodeo Band, Truck/Tractor Pulls, and two nights of Demolition Derby.  Returning for a second year on the grounds - Sea Lions!  "Best of the Fair Food" contest winners included Azar's (Dessert), Leonardo's Bistro (Signature Dish), Mary Lou's Ice Cream (Most Creative), and Philly Express (Deep Fried Item).  Admission was $11 for adults, $8 for youth / seniors / military, and free for children 6 and under.  

  • 2019 Spokane County Interstate Fair (September 6-15)


    Theme - "Pirates of the Carrots and Beans".  Ambassadors included Taylor Christian, Katie Close, Sydnie Price, and Chelsea Somerlott.  The 2019 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo crown belonged to Taylor Hill.  Grandstand Entertainment included the P.R.C.A. Rodeo, Shenandoah and Restless Heart, Trace Adkins, Foreigner, Truck / Tractor Pulls, and two nights of Demo Derby.  Grounds act - Pirate High Dive Show.  Director Rich Hartzell retired on February 28.  Erin Gurtel took the reins as the new Director on May 16.